Aaron Staple
09/09/1943 – 02/04/2022
Obituary for Aaron Staple
AARON SULLIVAN STAPLE, JR – KNOXVILLE’S GOSPEL LEGEND
Aaron Staple was born September 9, 1943 near Jackson, Mississippi to the beloved, late Lannie “Marion” Howard Staple and Aaron Sullivan Staple, Sr. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan in the fear and admonition of God. Migrating to Knoxville in 1958 to become an eventual alumni of Knoxville College, Staple built a phenomenal reputation throughout the city, and within the local African American community, as a musical icon and top-performing, grade level III educator. He was instrumental in many historical, religious, and artistic collaborations, events, and organizations—such as the historical Staple Community Choir and the MLK Jr. Commemoration choir collaboration with the KSO. Having departed this life February 4, 2022 at age 78.
Mr. Staple leaves to cherish his memories,”daughter” and “son,” Audrey (née Yarbrough) and Xzavian Wrushen; their three children; sister, Wylodine Leaks (née Staple); nephews, nieces, and many friends. A community evening of personal reflections, Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, MLK Jr. Avenue, 4:00 – 6:00pm. Aaron’s Homegoing Service will convene Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Overcoming Believers Church, Family and Friends Hour, 4:00pm- 5:00 p.m.; funeral service, 5:00pm. Rev. Dr. Harold A. Middlebrook, Officiating.
Interment will be held in Detroit, Michigan at a later date.
Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY
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Family and Friends Hour
Sunday, February 13, 2022
4:00pm- 5:00 p.m
Overcoming Believers Church
211 Harriet Tubman St, Knoxville, TN 37915
Homegoing Service
Sunday, February 13, 2022
5:00pm
Overcoming Believers Church
211 Harriet Tubman St, Knoxville, TN 37915
Graveside
Interment will be held in Detroit, Michigan at a later date.
SERVICE LOCATION
Memorial Video
To the family and friends of Mr. Staples. I am so very very sorry for your loss. He was the greatest friend I ever ever. Knew. I really really miss him. But I know he is in a great place. No more pain. Looking down on all of us and want us to follow the Man above. Tho all family and friends love each and every one. This is the time that Mr. Staples would tell all of us to stop playing and come together! I remember those words like he said it yesterday. Much love
Sorry to hear about Aaron I can remember when he use to play piano at my mother’s house during choir practice years and years ago may GOD give the family strength and comfort during the passing of this love one RIP in Aaron
A great Christian icon has gone home.
II Corinthians 5: 1-8 We give praise and glory to God for Aaron Staple Jr. The man God placed as Chad and Chandra Davis adopted Grandfather. 🙏 Prayers and condolences to Audrey and all who loved Aaron. What a blessing he was to all of his earthly family and now is with all his Heavenly family… Sent from God to be with us just for a little while…Now he has returned from his earthly labor to his Heavenly rewards…play on Poppa and make a glorious praise in Heaven…Amen
Minister Carl Davis, Chad, Chandra Davis family (Cheryl Bibbins Davis).
Aaron Staple was the creator of the music of our community. I meet him at Knoxville College and joined his choir when he played for so many local churches and individuals.
Love always,
Corrie Wright Neal
KC ’71
Aaron Staples will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. I met him at Tabernacle Baptist Church were I was a member, baptised & sang in the church choir were he was a pianist. I join the The Staple Community Choir were we practiced & participated in the movie & recordings with some of the early members.
Xzavian, I was so sorry to hear of your father”s passing. I pray God will fill your heart and mind with His peace and grace and bless you and your family.
Deepest Condolences 💐
To Aaron’ s Family & Friends
Prayers are ordered for you all in his transition from this world 🌎 to those whom gone before to me him at those pearly gates of Heaven